Dungeons & Dragons offers an expansive multiverse ripe for storytelling, presenting unique challenges for Dungeon Masters and prospective television producers alike. Within this framework, the world of Krynn stands out with its Dragonlance setting, where epic battles between good and evil echo the grandeur of Tolkien’s work. Meanwhile, Toril serves as the backdrop for the beloved Forgotten Realms, famous for the Baldur’s Gate games and the tales of dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. Additionally, players can explore more unconventional realms, such as the grim and post-apocalyptic landscape of Dark Sun.
However, a compelling narrative hinges more significantly on the antagonists than merely on the settings. Given the multiverse’s richness, where spellcasters and magical artifacts can transport characters across dimensions, the selection of formidable villains becomes paramount. A well-crafted villain is essential for captivating D&D storytelling, and if done right, a live-action D&D series could emerge as the next major fantasy hit in streaming.
10 Kitiara Uth Matar
Dragonlance’s Morally Flexible Seductress
Among Krynn’s vast array of titanic villains, Kitiara Uth Matar occupies a unique position. This ambitious swordswoman ascended from a poverty-stricken background during one of Krynn’s darkest periods, leveraging her skills and charms to become a Dragon Highlord under the dark goddess Takhisis. Mounted on her blue dragon, Skie, she commanded the Blue Dragonarmy to multiple victories during the War of the Lance.
Takhisis was originally intended to be a distinct deity from Tiamat, with both often described as a massive dragon with five heads, symbolizing the chromatic dragons. Subsequent editions of D&D affirmed their identity as the same entity, diversifying her appearances across different worlds, including Toril. Kitiara’s appeal as a villain lies in her blend of selfishness and emotional complexity. While she demonstrates affection for her half-brothers Caramon and Raistlin, and her childhood love Tanis Half-Elven, her self-love ultimately prevails.
Although the chances of a Dragonlance-specific series remain slim, a format that explores multiple worlds could allow Kitiara to showcase her seductive and cunning nature, complicating heroes’ journeys in exciting ways.
9 Lord Soth
Death Knight Of The Black Rose
Lord Soth, another notable figure from Dragonlance, embodies one of D&D’s most tragic narratives. Once a revered Knight of Solamnia, Soth’s downfall stemmed from his betrayal of his oaths and his wife. Offered a chance for redemption, he succumbed to jealousy, further compounding his sins as Krynn faced cataclysmic devastation. His demise left him as a cursed death knight, forever plagued by suffering.
Soth’s status as a formidable death knight positions him as a significant threat, capable of challenging even the mightiest adventurers. His allegiance to Takhisis was primarily self-serving, with his ultimate goal being a reunion with Kitiara’s soul. Given his historical ties with Ravenloft, Soth could appear as an enduring threat across the D&D multiverse.
8 Jarlaxle Baenre
Sellsword, Thief, Murderer, And All-Around Charming Bastard
While Drizzt Do’Urden enjoys the limelight as the foremost drow character, Jarlaxle Baenre is not far behind in popularity. Raised within the treacherous drow city of Menzoberranzan, he was groomed to be a weapon in a merciless society controlled by the deity Lloth. Jarlaxle later founded the mercenary company Bregan D’aerthe, fluctuating between friend and adversary to Drizzt as circumstances dictated.
His mix of charm and danger makes Jarlaxle a perfect antagonist for any narrative set in the Forgotten Realms. He values skill and confidence, showing little hesitation to kill, but is also willing to offer mercy when advantageous. This duality makes him an intriguing character that audiences love to dislike.
7 Verminaard
Zealous Highlord Of The Dragonarmies
Verminaard, the formidable Dragon Highlord of Dragonlance, led the Red Dragonarmy with absolute authority, often riding into battle on his dragon, Ember. He ruthlessly conquered lands in the name of his mistress, Takhisis, delighting in the chaos he instigated. Yet, his reign met its match when the Heroes of the Lance attacked his fortress. Ultimately, he fell in battle, showcasing that even the mightiest can be defeated.
As a champion of Takhisis, Verminaard offers a captivating enemy for adventurers, particularly in narratives centering around the War of the Lance. Whether portrayed at his peak or resurrected by Takhisis to battle anew, this brutal warlord’s presence would test the mettle of any adventuring party.
6 Demogorgon
Prince Of Demons And Lord Of The Gaping Maw
While the creature from Stranger Things borrows its name, the true Demogorgon evokes far more terror—a two-headed lord of chaos reigning from the 88th level of the Abyss, known as the Gaping Maw. He commands such respect and fear among demonic peers that no one challenges his title as Prince of Demons.
The distinct personalities and objectives of Demogorgon’s heads, Aameul and Hethradiah, often lead to inner conflict, intensifying his chaotic nature. With many mortal cultists working to further his agenda, Demogorgon’s influence extends into the Material Plane, where adventurers risk encountering this embodiment of despair and chaos–surviving such an encounter would prove a daunting task.
5 Zariel
Archduchess Of Avernus
In stark contrast to the chaotic demons, the devils of D&D embody a calculated, vindictive ambition. Among them, Zariel stands out as the Archduchess of Avernus, overseeing the first level of Hell. Once a proud archangel, her hatred for demons led to her downfall, echoing the tragic arc of Milton’s Lucifer, who preferred to reign in Hell rather than endure the servitude of Heaven.
Zariel’s insatiable thirst for warfare drives her to ensnare souls for the Blood War against the Abyss. Despite her cruelty, glimpses of her former self conflict with her present motivations, allowing for a compelling narrative. The prospect of redeeming her intrigues adventurers, even as her dark nature complicates any chance at salvation.
4 The Lord of Blades
Warforged Prophet Of Destruction And Vengeance
Set against the backdrop of Eberron, a world distinguished by its magical technology, the Lord of Blades emerges from the ashes of the Mournlands. These warforged beings were once employed as mere soldiers during the War of a Hundred Years, only to rise from the devastation with a singular purpose: vengeance. The Lord of Blades leads his mechanized followers in a relentless pursuit to avenge their past, showing little regard for the consequences of their actions.
An Eberron-based narrative could thrive with the Lord of Blades as a central antagonist, offering merciless and calculated conflict against adventurers who dare to cross his path.
3 Acererak
Archilich And Mastermind Of The Tomb Of Horrors
While Vecna takes the spotlight as a formidable undead entity, Acererak, known for his chilling role in The Tomb of Horrors, was once recognized as one of the deadliest liches within D&D lore. As Vecna’s former apprentice, he learned dark secrets before crafting his infamous lair, the Tomb. Acererak epitomizes the archetypal selfishness of a powerful lich, driven by a relentless quest for more power and devouring the souls of the unfortunate.
Acererak presents an overwhelmingly powerful antagonist, as his immortal nature poses an unsolvable challenge for adventurers—a narrative arc involving him could turn any story into a harrowing quest for survival.
2 Raistlin Majere
Hero Of The Lance And The Greatest Archmage In All Of Krynn
Frail yet cunning, Raistlin Majere’s ambition set him apart even among the Heroes of the Lance. After passing his Test at the Tower of High Sorcery, he gained immense power but chose a path steeped in darkness, abandoning his red robes for the black of evil. Though he once fought against Takhisis alongside his allies, a transition into darker ambitions has positioned him as a complex and relatable villain in D&D, with aspirations that could warp his role within any narrative.
With his iconic appearance—golden skin and hourglass eyes—Raistlin is undeniably one of D&D’s most memorable figures, embodying a multifaceted character capable of generating compelling storylines, whether as a primary antagonist or a conflicted character.
1 Tiamat
The Great Dragon, Queen Of Many Colors And None
As the most formidable evil deity in the D&D multiverse, Tiamat frequently serves as a central antagonist in adventure modules like Tyranny of Dragons. Often depicted as a colossal five-headed dragon, she represents the epitome of avarice, malice, and arrogance. Tiamat is not merely a character confined to tales of the past; her hunger for dominance ensures her involvement wherever evil emerges, making her a crucial figure in any narrative.
Regardless of the story’s focus, the likelihood of encountering Tiamat is always high, as her insidious influence constantly looms over the multiverse, awaiting her chance to impose chaos.